5 Ways to Make your Day More Meaningful

My last blog post, Live More Passionately, offered some ideas for incorporating more passion in the life you lead.  A few readers asked for more concrete changes that one could pursue.  Some people have asked me how they're supposed to thrive in what seems like a "dead-end" job.  Others have mentioned how hard it is to cope in a job that has nothing to do with their passion.  Here's the hard truth: You have the power to change everything - you have to start with your own energy first!

According to some studies, nearly two thirds of Americans are dissatisfied at work. It's up to you to make your work worth doing!!  Whether you work in a hospital or a government building, you can make your job more meaningful.   Take a look at these 5 ideas for putting more purpose into your job.

Serving Others:

1. Help your coworkers. Our relationships with our colleagues play a big role in our happiness at work. Pitch in with assembling press packages or proofreading the annual report. Share your lunch when your colleague is stuck on a conference call during lunch.

2. Create a great customer experience. You can brighten someone's day by going the extra mile to help them feel valued through your interaction. Take time to answer their questions and point out helpful features. Thank them warmly for doing business with you.

3. Advance the organizational mission. If your employer benefits society, you can find gratification in being part of the team. Maybe you raise awareness about lung cancer or design safer cars.

Develop Your Talents:

1. Strengthen your communication skills. Communicating effectively is a requirement for almost any job. Ask for feedback about how you come across in writing and in person.

2. Practice your leadership skills. Strategic thinking and positively influencing others are valuable traits at every stage in your career. Welcome projects that give you a chance to rehearse for future challenges.

3. Pursue education. Take advantage of opportunities for life-long learning. Study a foreign language or master a new software application.

Express Your Creativity:

1. Upgrade your presentations. Make the most of your reporting responsibilities. Impress your supervisor with a multimedia presentation and compelling graphics when they ask you to do something simple like research recycling vendors or conference venues.

2. Start an ambiance committee. Suggest forming a committee to make suggestions on how to add visual stimulus in the office. Coordinate a company-wide cleanup day. Attractive and neat surroundings aid in productivity and morale.

3. Share your hobby. Welcome your passions into the workplace. You could bring in flowers or vegetables from your garden or take photographs at special events.

Share Your Joy:

1. Plan a party. Organize birthday parties for the people in your department. Offer a surprise homemade snack to celebrate "National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day".

2. Promote good health. Encourage friendships and fitness. Put together a company softball team. Negotiate a group discount at a local gym.

3. Look at the funny side of things. Search for the humor in any situation. Look forward to the customers who bring in pictures of their kids' Halloween costumes.

Chart a New Course:

1. Network extensively. Even if you believe it's time to look for a different position, you can still use your time constructively. Try to make more contacts with those who can help you advance your career. Attend meetings and volunteer at the nearest chapter of your professional association. Invite people out to lunch and send them articles they might be interested in.  Start reaching out!

2. Document your accomplishments. Record career achievements that will sound impressive on your resume. Adding value during your last days on the job will keep you motivated and energized.

3. Facilitate the transition. Remind yourself of what you like about your job and why you're grateful to your current employer. Try to create a smooth transition for your successor while you seek out your passion and purpose by starting a new job or returning to school.

While you will probably need your boss to approve a raise or a bigger office, there are some adjustments you can make on your own. Even trivial tasks feel significant when you understand why you're doing them. Feeling more content at work will reduce stress and add more meaning to your life.

Please comment and share your thoughts.  How do you make work more meaningful?  How do you connect with your passion on a daily basis?